The Ludowici/Long County Volunteer Fire Department recently donated $1,000 to help families of their fallen comrades.

Fire Chief Darrell Ballance presented a check Oct. 13 to Shields of Honor Motorcycle Club President Mike Shaver that will go to the Coastal Empire 200 Club, a nonprofit organization that assists families of firefighters and police officers who die in the line of duty.

“The 200 Club helps take care of those families when their loved one dies,” Ballance said. “They will come to the aid of that firefighter or police officer’s family and help with their immediate financial needs and also help with their long term needs.”

He said money was raised by the fire department in a boot drive, and the money was given during a poker run conducted by the motorcycle club.

The 200 Club is a branch of an original group of 100 police officers from Detroit who contributed money to the family of a fellow officer who died in the line of duty in 1952. The Coastal Empire 200 Club was incorporated Oct. 16, 2000, and has given more than $735,000 to 44 local families. The club covers 22 counties, including Long and Liberty counties.

“All the money given to the local 200 Club stays in the Coastal Empire,” Ballance said. “The organization does some great things, and I encourage anyone who can join or donate to it to do so.”

Annual membership dues are $250. In addition to offering financial assistance, the 200 Club also provides moral and advisory support.

For more information on joining or helping the 200 Club, call 912- 238-1200.